Ky’Liin Johnson-Cooper and Whitney Smith are a dynamic duo. Both players are athletic, can defend and score at a prolific rate.
With Johnson-Cooper’s physicality and Smith hitting nearly everything from beyond the arc, they are a threat every time they are on the floor together.
Johnson-Cooper is the leading scorer for her team. She’s averaging as much as 16 points per game, and Smith is averaging 12 points.
Johnson-Cooper dominates the game making most players on the court look like rookies. She’s a scoring machine and plays the role of a floor facilitator. Her court awareness and pass-first mentality allow her to play unselfish basketball.
Johnson-Cooper has everything that a coach looks for in a leader. She pushes and encourages her teammates. Says Johnson-Cooper, “Playing up last school year and over the summer with AAU helped strengthen my leadership skills for this season.”
Carver Middle School girl’s basketball coach Joshua Stephens said Johnson-Cooper and Smith bring a unique value to the team. “They both have an elite skill set and a high basketball IQ,” Stephens said. “These girls have proven they can hang with the best players the state has to offer.”
Smith knocks down big shots with ease. She can score at an efficient rate from any spot on the hardwood and finish around the rim. She goes hard every possession and strives to leave everything on the floor. “Every game I remember the end goal for us is to win a championship,” said Smith.
Smith has the reputation as a long-range threat, but despite having a defender in her face, she’s known to knock down shots. A sharpshooter equipped with the confidence and a quick release, Smith will shoot from deep on anyone.
